ANCHORAGE, Alaska — U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a blunt warning ahead of his high-stakes Trump–Putin Alaska summit, saying he would leave the meeting “real fast” if discussions to end the war in Ukraine did not go well.

Speaking to Fox News host Bret Baier aboard Air Force One en route to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Trump said, “We’re going for a meeting with President Putin in Alaska. I think it’s going to work out very well, and if it doesn’t, I’m going to head back home real fast.” When pressed on whether he was serious, Trump doubled down: “I would walk, yeah.”

The summit, set against the backdrop of a war entering its fourth year, began with a “working breakfast” between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by a joint press conference. Ahead of the meeting, Trump warned that Russia faced “very severe” sanctions and a total halt to U.S. business ties unless Moscow engaged seriously in peace talks.

Vice President JD Vance expressed support on X, writing: “Grateful for President Trump’s leadership today as he travels to Alaska to meet with President Putin of Russia. Praying for peace in the days ahead.”

Outcome Falls Short of Expectations

Despite the tense build-up, the summit ended without a ceasefire agreement or concrete plan to resolve the conflict. Trump told reporters afterward, “No agreement was reached,” while Putin claimed the two had reached an “understanding.”

The lack of progress drew swift criticism from Washington lawmakers, with some calling the meeting a diplomatic setback for the U.S. Critics noted that Trump appeared to soften his earlier demands for an immediate ceasefire, shifting instead toward promoting a broader peace agreement — a stance some analysts said favored Putin’s negotiating position.

The Trump–Putin Alaska summit attracted intense global scrutiny, as both leaders face mounting pressure to end a conflict that has left Ukraine fractured and Russia isolated on the world stage. Observers say the Anchorage talks underscore just how far apart the two sides remain on the path to peace.